Eyelid Surgery Q&A
75%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review

View Before and Afters
Average Eyelid Surgery Cost: $3,875
Learn about Eyelid Surgery
2,260 people and 796 doctors are talking about Eyelid Surgery
Get Free Email Updates
When Can a Flight Attendant Return to Work After Eyelid Surgery?
asked 2 years ago by Lady K in Boca Raton, FL
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 1,572 times
Tags: eyelids, recovery
How long should a flight attendant wait to return to work after eyelid surgery?
8 answers to When Can a Flight Attendant Return to Work After Eyelid Surgery?
+1
Wait 2 weeks after blepharoplasty to resume air travel
A flight attendant should wait at least two weeks after a blepharoplasty before returning to work. The obvious bruising and swelling from blepharoplasty can be present for the first two weeks, and the air pressure difference will also affect the healing process.
+1
One week is the average time it takes to get better from eyelid surgery
Healing is personal and individualized after an eyelift / blepharoplasty (eye plastic surgery / eye cosmetic surgery / eye lift). Everybody heals differently. Someone can heal to a certain stage at one week while someone may take a month to get to that same point.
Bruising typically resolves by one week and same with the swelling but everyone again is different. In terms of bruising, additional bleeding the first week is the most important. You should be really careful of not doing...
more
+1
Upper or lower lids? You can return to work faster after upper blepharoplasty.
The upper eyelid generally heals quickly after surgery, you could probably go back to work in 7-10 days. Even if you have a little bruising, it can be covered with makeup.
The lower lid is another story. Because of the risk of bleeding, I would suggest waiting longer after surgery to go back to work, at least 2, maybe 3 weeks.
When to return to work is a common question patients have when considering surgery. You should discuss this issue with your surgeon at your preoperative consult and...
more
Theda C. Kontis, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Flight Attendants and Eyelid Surgery
When can flight attendants get back in air after eyelid surgery.
Upper Eyes: One Week
Lower Eyes: Three Weeks
The difference between upper and lower is the risk of bleeding. The upper eylid surgery usually involves skin only and bleeding after first week is unlikely. Even if it happens, it is not serious.
The lower eyelid surgery involves fat excision and bleeding into that fat while you are in air can cause blindness.
Please read my instructions below for more details.
2345 Lamington Rd,...
more
Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Generally, flight attendant can return to work at least 2 weeks after eyelid surgery
Dear Lady K
Let's face it, being a fight attendant is a demanding job. Ideally, you would allow yourself 2 to 3 weeks to recover before returning to work. Two weeks is really the minimum as far as I am concerned. Your own surgeon my have other ideas and in part, this will also depend on exactly what surgery you have.
One concern I would have in the very dry environment of the jet cabin is eye dryness. After surgery, the eyes will be more dry for about 6 weeks. The fact that you are working...
more
+1
Pressure changes, straining, and dryness after eyelid surgery
The changes in cabin pressure during a flight are usually minimal, however it is wise to delay this for a week or two. Any activity that could cause straining is better to be avoided in the early postoerative period. During long flights it is always advisable to use lubricating or artifical tear eye drops to avoid dryness and irritation, which may occur.
Hope that helps.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Return to work after blepharoplasty eyelid surgery
Lady K,
One should avoid all strenuous activity, especially heavy lifting or intensive training for a couple weeks after eyelid surgery. Patients may return for light office work earlier, but likely not possible as a flight attendant.
Any activity which elevates your blood pressure or heart rate may exacerbate and cause bruising, at worst even frank bleeding. Strenuous activities to avoid include, but are not limited to running, exercise, weight lifting, Pilate's, aerobics, cycling,...
more
+1
Flying after blepharoplasty
Dear Lady K
I recommend my patients wait at least 2 weeks before flying. By then you should be able to return to normal activity and wear make-up. Some patients may have some bruising but this should almost be completely resolved.
I also advise you to use a liquid tears to keep the eyes moist as there can be some dry eye effect even if it is only temporary and if you can keep it in the frig or on ice it really feels great when you place a few drops in each eye.
Good luck if you have...
more
Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon


